Should You Install a Snorkel on Your Jeep?

ARB Snorkel, TJ (6 cyl) Built From Sept 1999-06ARB Snorkel
Many off roaders have seen Jeeps that have a snorkel installed, the important question is do you need one on your Jeep. First let us explain what a snorkel is and then you can decide if your Jeep is in desperate need of one. A snorkel is a pipe-looking accessory that runs from the air intake under the hood and extends upward on the passenger side of the vehicle. The primary function of a snorkel is to provide the engine with cool, dry, clean air while off roading.

Along with providing clean, dry and cool air to your engine, a snorkel can also help prevent water and dirt from entering the engine. Providing your engine with cool air increases the amount of horsepower, improves the performance of your engine and will help your vehicle last longer. Using a snorkel allows you to keep your air intake free of water and mud if you cross any deep streams or rivers while off roading. If you are off roading in a dry dusty area, a snorkel will prevent dust and dirt from being pulled into your engine.

Many off road enthusiasts feel that the addition of a snorkel is important in maintaining your engine and keeping it free of water and dirt while off roading. Others feel that it is an unnecessary accessory to add. If you do the majority of your off roading in areas that are very dusty you may want to consider installing a snorkel. It also makes sense for those of you who do a lot off roading in wet areas or areas that require you to cross deep rivers or streams.

Deciding if a snorkel is necessary for your Jeep is purely up to you, but there are many benefits the most important being prolonging the life of your engine. Anyone who has had to replace the engine in their Jeep knows how costly it can be. Adding a snorkel may be something that only hardcore off roaders choose to do, but it is important that you understand the benefits a snorkel has to offer when making your decision.

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9 comments

I knew a snorkel keeps your air intake free of water and mud but I never thought about it being able to to keep dust and dirt away from your engine. It makes good sense now that I’ve heard it. Guess I’ll take another look at having one installed too.

In my case it would only be for looks. I’ve never driven in more water than what you find in mud pits. I don’t even swim. Water terrifies me. That’s the short and simple of it. Put me on the steepest hills and rocks and it’s no problem. More water than I find in my tub? Forget it.

I didn’t think I needed one until I found myself in a situation where I really did. By then it was too late. Now, I have one. I may never need it again, but it’s there if I do. I would have been money ahead if I had installed it before the need arose.

Yo Rex, I feel your pain brother. That happened to me in August. I’d been in and around this same creek several times but didn’t account for the rains that had pelted the area the week before I got there. The creek bed had shifted and what followed was not a pretty picture. All I can say is, it’s a good thing I can swim and a good thing my buddy had a winch to haul my sorry a– out. No matter what you’ve done or gotten yourself into, someone else has done worse., Take comfort in that fact.

If you love the river beds and creeks as much as I do, the answer to that is an emphatic yes. It will save you money in the long run. It took me a while to learn that particular lesson but I bet I won’t ever forget it.